Seattle Longshoremen, truckers in potty dispute

The non-union, low-income truck drivers who haul containers from the terminal to trains are mostly immigrants from east Africa. They told The Seattle Times (http://bit.ly/16jmsEA) they need access to running water to wash their hands before eating or prayers, but they have been blocked from using the restrooms used by the longshoremen.

The Associated Press

4/2/2013

SEATTLE — Short-haul truckers who work at the Port of Seattle's Terminal 30 are threatening to sue for access to a restroom with running water.

Port officials, terminal operator SSA Marine and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union say the truck drivers should use portable toilets. They say it's a safety issue because of moving equipment.

The non-union, low-income truck drivers who haul containers from the terminal to trains are mostly immigrants from east Africa. They told The Seattle Times (http://bit.ly/16jmsEA) they need access to running water to wash their hands before eating or prayers, but they have been blocked from using the restrooms used by the longshoremen.

A lawyer for the truckers' association, Lawrence Hildes, compares the unequal restroom situation to "Jim Crow" racial segregation. He plans to file a lawsuit.